Which small fixed blade?

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prhm

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All of the knifes I currently carry are folders. I would like to try a small fixed blade. I think I want a 2 1/2 to 3" blade and would like to stay in the $70 range. Whadda ya think? Thanks in advance.
 
What do you want to use the knife for? This will dictate blade materials, profile and length as well as handle specifics. How do you intend to carry it? This will influence sheath materials.
 
I think that Columbia River is about to come out with a Corkum 1st Strike. It'll probably have a 4" blade, though, but very very cool. I think that they may also have a version of a Bud Nealy Knife coming out as well that should be smaller. Probably'll be introduced at the SHOT Show.
Sorry, the Nealy's not a fixed blade. Here's a good one:
A used Strider SA, DB or MFS. They appear from time to time at www.bladeforums.com in the Exchange section.
 
CRKT's F4 designed by Kit Carson may be what you want

Knife: Overall length: 5.50†(14.0 cm)
Blade: Cutting edge: 2.50†(6.4 cm)
Thickness: 0.10†(0.25 cm)
Steel: AUS 6M, 55-57 HRC
Weight: 1.3 oz. (37 g)

F4 Convertible Sheath: (included with knife)
Material: Black Zytel
Clip: 180 degree reversible and removable
Length: 3.87†(9.8 cm)
Width: 1.62†(4.1 cm)
Weight: 1.4 oz. (40 g)

I've got one of Kit's and one of CRKT's. They are nice little, emphasis on little, knives. Most everything else I could find was 3.5 inches or much more than you want to spend.

Surprisingly, there are some handmades that are in your range for size and price, but I can't attest to their quality.
 
Very good call on the F4. Also, Outdoor Edge might be coming out with a Blackwood knife called the Mini Melee, maybe. That would rule.
 
I plan on using the knife for everday chores, so it could be cleaning a steelhead one day and cutting tape the next.
The main reason I am looking for a small blade is to keep the overall legnth down. I work in a paint store so I dont want to scare the little old lady buying house paint when I pull out a knife to open a package for her.
I checked out the F4 like suggested, it lookes like a nice little knife. I dont know anything about steels though. Is the AUS 6M good? Eventhough I said in the 70 range, if I can get a much better knife for a little more investment I'm not against it.
Thanks for all the great responses.:)
 
Should be alot of possibles in that range. spend some time over at bladeforums.com
You could probably get into a small custom for around $100 or maybe even less. D2 steel would be a good choice.
I like a fixed-blade knife that size carried in an inside-the-pocket sheath.
 
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=237578

I started this thread over at BF as your question had made me curious about sub $100 knives made outside of a factory setting. Most of the responses are $100+, but the information is still very good.

Take a look at Gene Ingram's knives - http://www.geocities.com/porchswings/moreknives.htm

John Greco is known for making lots of knives as inexpensively as possible that stand up to lots of abuse. I've got several that have been purchased for under $100.
 
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Sounds like you're almost talking "neck knife" territory here. Do a search in

Blade Forums.com
Custom Knife Directory.com

There are tons of options in this category. Anything from bare steel grips to many various types of scale material is available. Also consider various methods of carry. If you'd give us all a few ideas that you're interested in, we could steer you even closer.

Otherwise, you may also consider a Kelgin Paula. I'm picking one up from my brother as a gift for my son. It's a great little knife.

Kelgin Paula
 
Yeah, I carried one of two Anza knives for several months. Mostly scraping and light cutting duty but used multiple times every day. You can tell they've ever been used. Very solid knives for the money though one fault that comes to mind is the very light laminated wood lends an aura of 'cheap' to them that the older Anza knives don't have at all.

Still, ANY size is available for a very reasonable price. I've bought all mine off eBay. I think I have about five or six.
 
I occassionally carry the CRKT 4" Komodo... held up pretty well... especially if you've seen the crap I've done to it! :uhoh: :D

I also second the Nimravus Cub, but I would also recommend the Benchmade River Rescue. Awesome knife.
 
You know what? I was thinking Schrade as well. But not Old-Timer Sharpfinger (1095 carbon), but rather Uncle Henry Wolverine (Schrade+ stainless). Runs about $35.

While the carbon will hold an edge longer, the stainless is just way less maintenance, looks better IMO, and it still keeps a nice edge. The Wolverines were hard to find for a while, but I've seen them in Wally World recently.

A little nicer would be the Spyderco Moran. Features some excellent VG-10 steel. Great knife in two blade styles with a very cool kydex sheath set up for a whole host of carry options. Runs about $50-$60.

You might also check out the Camillus CUDA neck knife in D2 over at AG Russell Knives. The only problem with it is that it doesn't have scales. I had a fellow put some nice G10 scales on one of these CUDA knives. Turned out great. The D2 CUDA is $50.

Here's a pic of a Spydie Moran and a Schrade Wolverine.
 

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